Minutes of a meeting of the Town Council's Planning/ Licensing Committee held in the Council Chamber, Windmill Lane, Northam on Tuesday 30th September 2008.

PRESENT: Chairman - Cllr C K Langton

Members - Cllrs Mrs P Biggs, Mrs A Boyle, Mrs S Collins, Mrs M Cox, J Braund, A Eastman, B M Edwards, P Hames, R Johnson, R H Osborne, R Tisdale together with 3 parishioners

Apologies were recorded on behalf of Cllrs R W A Miller and S Robinson

1. Minutes

The minutes of the Town Council's Planning/Licensing Committee held 17 th September 2008 were approved and signed.

(Vote: Unanimous)

Cllrs Mrs Cox made the following statement:-

“As both a Town and District Councillor I wish to make it clear that I will reconsider the matter(s) at the District level, taking into account all relevant evidence and representations at the District Council's Plans Committee.”

2. Planning applications

0777/08 Proposed change of use from residential to Youth Hostel and erection of conservatory (retrospective) - Manorville, Kingsley Road, Westward Ho! – RESOLVED - Recommend approval.

Cllr Tisdale declared a personal interest and left the meeting for this item.

(Vote: 8 For, 1 abst)

0937/08 Proposed erection of a conservatory to the rear of the property - 30 Coral Avenue, Westward Ho! – RESOLVED - Recommend approval.

(Vote: Unanimous)

Cllr Mrs Boyle joined the meeting at this juncture.

0965/08 Proposed re-development of 4 no bungalows and 6 no houses with traffic calmer - Four Winds, Cornborough Road – RESOLVED - Recommend refusal. Concerned about density and the continuous ridgeline of the bungalows which will result in a loss of visual amenity for neighbouring properties. Also concerned about the proximity of proposed new property to the tree which has a Tree Preservation Order. It would appear that the foundations of the property will interfere with the root system. The properties are far too close together and the density of the development is too great having regard to the density of the surrounding developments. Also concerned that bats would be affected and the sewerage system inadequate. Would draw the District Council's attention to Section 40 of the NERC which places a duty on Councils to protect biodiversity.

Cllr Tisdale declared a prejudicial interest and left the meeting for this item.

(Vote: 9 For, 1 against)

0983/08 Proposed extensions and alterations - 63 Richmond Park, Northam – RESOLVED – Recommend approval.

(Vote: Unanimous)

1003/08 Proposed extension to dwelling - 11 St Margaret's Court, Lakenham Hill – RESOLVED – Recommend approval if footprint not too large.

(Vote: Unanimous)

1005/08 Proposed erection of 8 houses and parking - Land at Tomouth Road, Appledore – RESOLVED - Recommend Refusal for the reasons previously given as follows:

(1) Over intensive use of the site;

(2) Serious overlooking of nearby properties;

(3) Out of keeping on the edge of a conservation area;

(4) Is intrusive;

(5) Changes the character on the edge of a conservation area;

(6) Spoils the outlook from a conservation area;

(7) Would result in the destruction of mature trees;

(8) Concerned about the drainage on a steep site, both new drainage to take the hard landscaping and roof drainage etc and also natural underground drainage which may be affected.

Also the Council is concerned that the Design Statement is incorrect. It would appear that the outline consent has expired. They believe that the design statement is flawed, incorrect and misleading and would reiterate that the conservation area would be marred by this development. They also question the stability of the site.

Cllr Eastman declared an interest and left the meeting for this item.

Cllr Braund joined the meeting at this juncture.

(Vote: Unanimous)

1006/08 Proposed alterations involving demolition of part of bungalow and amended location of garage -29 Century Drive, Northam – RESOLVED – Recommend approval. If the driveway is changed would like to see permeable material used.

Cllrs Mrs Collins, Johnson, and Tisdale declared a personal interest.

(Vote: Unanimous)

3. Draft Biodiversity Audit for Northam

The Chairman reported that Devon County Council had supplied the Biodiversity Audit for Northam. Three copies of the report had been made available and circulated to Cllrs Mrs Cox, Hames and Langton. A copy of the report would be held in the office for Members to examine. At this stage the report is in draft form and the Council were being requested to respond by the end of October in order that the final report can be produced. It was agreed to consider the matter again at the Planning meeting on 15 th October and then again on the 28 th if necessary.